This class will run if at least 3 students are enrolled by Sunday, July 2nd)

Class descriptions: Students will learn how to forge-weld their own blade smithing hammers from high-carbon steel and mild steel using traditional techniques which were used from before the Viking era all the way into the 19th century. The hammer form which we will forge in class is based on several artifacts from the Norwegian Cultural History Museum in Oslo. Although they were excavated from Viking blacksmiths' graves in Norway they strongly resemble hammers used even now in traditional Japanese blade smithing.

Class space is very limited. Students will be registered in the order that their payments are received.

See you at the Forge! - James Austin

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Traditionally Welded Hammers: When steel was an expensive resource, hammers and other tools would be shaped from soft iron and faced or edged with high carbon steel to give them toughness against damage and wear. The cost of the tools was reduced and the complex forging of the tool forms was executed in soft iron, which was much easier to work than the tougher steel.

Class Set-Up and Safety Considerations:

All necessary tools and materials will be provided for the students.

Students must bring their own safety glasses and wear them at all times in work areas (a few used pairs are usually available at the shop).

Students should bring leather gloves that are supple and a little loose to help protect their hands from burns, cuts and abrasions. Some used gloves are usually available at the shop.

Students must wear snugly fitted, long-sleeved work shirts and long pants of cotton or wool (no nylon or polyester allowed) and firm, leather work-shoes.

Hearing protection is required to be worn and is provided in the shop in the form of foam ear-plugs. Students who need over-ear protection must provide their own.